ADVANTAGE FEBRUARY 2026 THE BUSINESS SET SAIL FOR THE CHAMBER BANQUET NAUTICAL SOIRÉE AWAITS !
MEMBER NEWS WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR COMMUNITY
WHO WE ARE
Chairman–John Bogner, WIT Athletics Past Chairman-Josh Guthrie, Guthrie Floorcovering Secretary - Michelle Salinas, RE/MAX Villa Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena managed by Venue Works Sarah Gunkel, Davis & McCann, P.A. Brianna Wissman, Diamond Roofing Dr. Tanya Williams, InnovateMed Silver Ruiz, Truck Center Companies Mario Rayo, Landmark National Bank Scott Beatty, Curtis Machinery Coral Lopez, ITC Great Plains Aaron Stapleton, Soulspring Spa and Wellness Ryan Ausmus, Community Foundation Carolina Ross, Best Cellars BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason Scheck Unified School District #443 EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the surrounding area for our members. OUR VISION Building a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership, enrichment programs, and membership services. OPERATIONAL VALUES Educate – Business owners and managers to operate successful businesses that reinvest in our community. Facilitate – The leadership development for future leaders of our community. Advocate – For initiatives and issues that will improve our community. Celebrate – Our successes and heritage that promote a quality of life in our community. OUR GOALS Membership Services – Educate Chamber members and Dodge City community members about the Chamber’s mission, vision, values and purpose. Multicultural Business Engagement – Increase multicultural business owner and leader engagement in Chamber programs, events, volunteer opportunities and in civic roles throughout the community.
Dodge City Days – Define opportunities, revenue enhancements, and long- term priorities in support of the Dodge City Days Festival.
J.D. Gilbert, Ford County Joann Knight,
Legislative Committee – Identify business leaders that will drive positive dialogue on legislative issues impacting Dodge City with local, state, and federal officials. Operational Priorities – Collaborate with Dodge City/Ford County Economic Development Corporation in conducting community town halls to refresh the Dodge City/Ford County strategic plan.
Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College Megan Welsh, Dodge City Convention and
Visitors Bureau Nick Hernandez, City of Dodge City
Workforce Development – Identify the workforce skills and needs desired by Dodge City businesses.
OFFICE INFORMATION Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM Office (620) 227-3119 | (620) 227-2957 (FAX) 101 E. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 939 Dodge City, KS 67801
Karla Lees, President/CEO klees@dodgechamber.com Joni Wittman, Events & Marketing Director jwittman@dodgechamber.com CHAMBER STAFF
www.dodgechamber.com www.facebook.com/dcacc e-mail: info@dodgechamber.com
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Aflac (1 years)
Hyundai of Dodge City (2 years) Joy Chiropractic, PA (11 years) Margarita Ramirez- Realtor (2 years) Ozone Roofing, Inc. (8 years) Pratt Regional Medical Center (16 years) Security 1st Title (7 years) Security State Bank (4 years) Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (9 years) SKACD (2 years) SouthWest KS Area Agency on Aging (31 years) Starr Computer Solutions, Inc. (29 years) State School Board (9 years) Stewart Plumbing & Heating and AC (70 years) Super 8 by Wyndham Dodge City (2 years) United Capital Management of Kansas (11 years) Volz Builders LLC (11 years)
Alzheimer's Association - Central & Western Kansas Chapter (6 years) Bangerter Law P.A. (9 years) Color Bar By Leslie (2 years) Confetti's Dodge City (4 years) Congressman Tracey Mann's Office (5 years) Dodge City Daily Globe (14 years) Dodge City Raceway Park (3 years) Don Taco Cowtown (2 years) Don Taco LLC (3 years) El Rodeo Bar & Grill Restaurant (2 years) Express Employment Professionals (6 years) Farmers Country Market (32 years) Fee Insurance Group (10 years) GUNBROS (2 years) Hampton Inn & Suites-By Hilton (14 years) HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic in Dodge City (2 years) Healthy Blue Kansas (1 years)
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UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEES & RIBBON CUTTINGS
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JANUARY EVENT PICTURES
Holiday Posada, January 8, 2026 Boot Hill Museum
Holiday Posada, January 8, 2026 Boot Hill Museum
New Year, New Connections Mixer, January 14 2026 Boot Hill Museum
Chamber Coffee, January 13, 2026 Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas
New Year, New Connections Mixer, January 14 2026 Boot Hill Museum
Leadership Dodge , January 15, 2026
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EVENT TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION
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SWKS RADIO HOSTS ANNUAL WINTER EXPO
The SWKS Radio group of radio stations (K95, 96.3 The Marshal, 1370 KGNO, La Fiesta 93.9, La Mexicana 101.5) hosted their annual Winter Expo at the Western State Bank Expo Center in Dodge City January 30-February 1st. The annual variety trade show, with something for everyone, has been a winter tradition for over a decade and draws a crowd from across SWKS. This year the show hosted over 140 vendors selling an assortment of goods and services. Art work, jams and jellies, dips and salsa, clothing, jewelry, home decor, wood working, home improvement, guns, knives, ammo and more. The Expo included a car show put on each year by Dodge City Classics, with over 30 vehicles on display. The Dodge City Community College Rodeo team held an exhibition on Saturday in the rodeo arena, while local dance teams and Luca Libre Wrestlers provided entertainment on the expo floor throughout the weekend. Around 9,000 people attended the free event over three days. "Winter Expo is one of the big things we look forward to doing each year. It has become a favorite event for our staff, vendors, and the people that come out to enjoy the free event each year. We want to thank all of the people that helped behind the scenes, the Expo Center Staff, Dodge City Community College Rodeo Team, DCHS JROTC, the vendors, and of course the people that came out to enjoy the event." said Josh Roesener from SWKS Radio. SWKS Radio has many more events and giveaways planned in 2026 and beyond. Be sure to listen over the air to 95.5 K95, 96.3 The Marshal, 1370 KGNO, La Fiesta 93.9, and La Mexicana 101.5, and follow us on social media. Visit SWKSRadio.net to stream the stations for free, find links to our social media pages, and a list of what the radio stations are up to next including a trip to LAS VEGAS!
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VICTORY ANNOUNCES LOGO REFRESH
Victory Electric is excited to announce a refresh of our cooperative’s logo. This update reflects our commitment to powering the future and connecting with our member-owners in a rapidly changing world. The new design incorporates modern design elements while honoring our rich heritage. Whether our refreshed logo appears on our trucks, digital platforms or in print, we hope it reflects our focus on growth and innovation and resonates with both current and future generations of members.
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Our Tax Time Sale kicks off February 2 and runs through the end of tax season — and we’ll pay the sales tax on every purchase during the event! 🙌 ✅ Best deals of the year ✅ No money down financing
✅ Free delivery & set-up (with qualifying purchase) Stop by Ashley and let’s get your home refreshed! 🛋️ 🏡
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GROWER FOCUS 2026 – NEXT WEEK IN DODGE CITY
Who Should Attend? Farmers - Landowners - Accountants - Attorneys - Financial Advisors - Lenders - Real Estate Professionals - Other Ag Professionals working with farm families Crop Quest invites you to Grower Focus 2026 on Tuesday, February 11. We’re bringing together ag experts to talk legacy planning, land transitions, and how Section 180 tax deductions can benefit farmers. You’ll also get practical insight into new tax provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). If you’re involved in agriculture or advise farm families, this is a great opportunity to hear timely, real-world information that applies directly to today’s decisions. Speakers & Topics include: LANCE WOODBURY – Ag Family Business Advisor – Pinion Learn how to start (or continue) the conversation around legacy, transition, and estate planning for your operation. ROGER MCEOWEN – Professor of Ag Law & Tax – Washburn & KSU Understand how Section 180 can provide major benefits during land purchases or transitions & learn how to navigate new tax provisions under the OBBBA. NATHAN WOYDZIAK – Precision Ag Manager – Crop Quest Learn about a unique approach to qualify for Section 180 deductions with insights from real-world field data
Event Details DATE: Tuesday, February 11, 2026 LOCATION: Boot Hill Casino & Resort Conference Center in Dodge City TIME: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM TICKETS: $45 (includes lunch)
Special Chamber Offer: Use discount code “CHAMBER” for $10 off your ticket!
Whether you’re planning for the future of your operation, recently purchased land, or helping clients work through important decisions, Grower Focus is built to provide clear, useful information you can apply right away. 👉 REGISTER HERE: GrowerFocus.com Bringing a group or purchasing tickets for customers? If you’d like to purchase multiple tickets for clients or staff, please contact us for special bulk pricing options.
Don’t miss this event happening next week in Dodge City!
For questions or bulk ticket inquiries, contact: Crop Quest – (620) 390-1979 media@cropquest.com
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REALITY U THROUGH THE PANDO INITIATIVE COMING TO DODGE CITY
Dodge City middle school and high school students will soon have the opportunity to experience real world decision making through Reality U, an interactive financial literacy simulation presented through the Pando Initiative. Reality U is a hands-on learning experience designed to help students understand the financial realities of adulthood. During the simulation, students are assigned a career, salary, and family scenario, then navigate real-life expenses such as housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, insurance, and more. The experience challenges students to make informed decisions, manage a budget, and understand how education and career choices impact their future lifestyle. Event Dates: February 17 – English sessions February 18 – Spanish sessions (must speak Spanish to volunteer) Reality U helps students: Build practical money management and budgeting skills Understand the true cost of living and financial responsibilities Connect education and career choices to long-term outcomes Practice real-world decision-making in a supportive environment To make this impactful experience possible, community and business support is essential. Sponsorship Opportunity Community partners are invited to sponsor Reality U for $500. Sponsorships help cover program materials, technology, and resources needed to provide this experience to students at no cost to schools. Sponsors will be recognized as supporters of youth education, workforce readiness, and financial literacy in our community. Volunteer Opportunity Reality U relies on volunteers to bring the simulation to life. Volunteers assist students at decision making stations, answer questions, and help guide them through their budgets. No prior teaching or financial experience is required; training will be provided. Volunteers may participate for a half- day or full-day and will have a direct impact on students’ understanding of real-world financial choices. By bringing Reality U to Dodge City, the Pando Initiative and community partners are investing in the future workforce and empowering students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed beyond high school. If you would like to be a volunteer at the event please register here: https://app.realityu.org/volunteer/85e28d01-4be6-9251-4f2c-f2536588b146 If you have any questions or would like to be a sponsor, please contact Kyla Keller at kkeller@dodgedev.org
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The Building Your Customer Service Toolkit Workshop is currently full. Due to high demand, a second session has been added. All registrations submitted January 30 – February 18 will be enrolled in the new session on February 18 from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Still at astill@dodgedev.org or 620-371- 3871. Thank you! Build Your Customer Service Toolkit! Join us for an interactive training led by Dr. Stacey Smith of Fort Hays State University and gain practical strategies to improve communication, empathy, problem-solving, and service recovery. 🗓 Wednesday, February 18 | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM 📍 University/Training Center, 236 San Jose, Dodge City (Northeast Entrance) 💲 $150 Members | $175 Non-Members 👉 Register: https://www.raisingthewest.org/tra.../customerservicefeb2026 Empower yourself and your team to deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences — sign up today!
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Dodge City Community College (DC3) Tech will offer a new short-term training opportunity this winter for community members looking to develop practical vehicle care skills. Called Automotive Basics, the two-session, non-credit course will be offered Saturday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the DC3 Automotive Technology Center, for a total cost of $30. Designed for beginners and for those seeking a refresher, Automotive Basics focuses on building strong fundamentals in core vehicle maintenance through practical, hands-on experience. “By the end of the two sessions, participants will be prepared to perform basic maintenance services on their own vehicles,” Dr. Clayton Tatro, DC3 Vice President for Workforce Development, said. “They will also learn how to identify potential issues before they result in costly repairs.” Topics covered during the course include personal protective equipment (PPE) and its importance in maintaining a safe work environment, as well as the proper use of lifts, hoists, and jacks. Participants also will become familiar with common automotive tools, learning how to identify them and use them correctly for various tasks. In addition, the course will cover automotive fluids and lubrication systems, including oil change procedures and maintenance light resets. Tire-related topics will include tire sizing, rotation patterns, and wheel safety. Participants will also learn to identify steering and suspension wear indicators, inspect and replace filters, belts, and hoses, perform battery service and basic electrical maintenance, and conduct multi-point inspections. For more information or to register for class, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Veronica Juarez Zamora at (620) 227-9295. By Lance Ziesch DC3 Director of Marketing and Public Relations
DC3 Tech will offer a two-session, non-credit Automotive Basics course in February for community members interested in learning how to perform basic vehicle care and maintenance. [Photo by Lance Ziesch]
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United has proudly served Southwest Kansas since 1951. A local phone co-op at our core—we’re still neighbors serving neighbors, now with today’s fiber internet and wireless. As we celebrate 75 years, we’re proud of where we’ve been, and even more excited about where we’re going.
For a limited time, get 3 months of FREE service when you sign up for a new mobile wireless line and/or Fixed Wireless Internet service!
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FREE SWIM LESSONS - REGISTRATION REQUIRED IN-PERSON AT THE YMCA WELCOME CENTER
All March and April swim lesson sessions are FREE thanks to a generous grant. The YMCA is proud to offer free swim lessons to 50 community members, helping swimmers build confidence and learn lifesaving water safety skills. For more than 100 years, the YMCA has been a leader in swim instruction and water safety, teaching that learning to swim is a skill that protects lives. This is the place where safety comes first and everyone deserves access. Thank you to our CEO, Jackie Gaucin, for securing the grant that made these free swim lessons possible. No place like this place. No place like the Y. ____________________ CLASES DE NATACIÓN GRATIS Todas las sesiones de clases de natación de marzo y abril son GRATIS gracias a una generosa subvención. La YMCA se enorgullece de ofrecer clases de natación gratuitas a 50 miembros de la comunidad, ayudando a desarrollar confianza y habilidades esenciales de seguridad acuática. Por más de 100 años, la YMCA ha sido líder en la enseñanza de natación y seguridad acuática, demostrando que aprender a nadar es una habilidad que salva vidas. Este es el lugar donde la seguridad es prioridad y todos merecen acceso. Gracias a nuestra directora ejecutiva, Jackie Gaucin, por asegurar la subvención que hizo posibles estas clases gratuitas. No hay lugar como este lugar. No hay lugar como la Y.
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THERE’S TRULY NO PLACE LIKE THE Y Join a community where connections are built through wellness and goals are met with purpose. Now is the perfect time to join! Member perks include: • Discounted programs for members • EGYM Smart Fitness — personalized training programs for every goal • Y360 On-Demand — access the Y wherever you are • 24/7 access for members ages 18+ • Indoor pool for laps, lessons, and open swim • KidZone Child Watch — safe, fun care while you exercise • Youth & Teen Center — games, friends, and a place to chill Join today! Stop by the Y, visit our website, or sign up online and start your wellness journey now. ____________________________________ REALMENTE NO HAY NINGÚN LUGAR COMO EL Y Únete a una comunidad donde se crean conexiones a través del bienestar y donde las metas se cumplen con propósito. ¡Ahora es el momento perfecto para unirte! Beneficios para miembros incluyen: • Programas con descuento para miembros • EGYM Smart Fitness — programas de entrenamiento personalizados para cada meta
• Y360 On-Demand — accede al Y dondequiera que estés • Acceso 24/7 para miembros de 18 años en adelante • Piscina interior para nado libre, clases y entrenamiento
• KidZone Child Watch — cuidado seguro y divertido mientras haces ejercicio • Centro de Jóvenes y Adolescentes — juegos, amigos y un lugar para relajarse ¡Únete hoy! Visítanos en el Y, entra a nuestro sitio web o inscríbete en línea y comienza tu camino hacia el bienestar hoy mismo.
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